We're in an era when everyone wants more! For example, in 1987, Gordon Gekko told us "Greed is good." In the decades to follow, businesses learned to streamline waste and human resources. The results include a tremendous rise in profits for U.S. corporations, now at an all time high since the end of 2010, according to Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis. And what's good for the goose is also good for the gander, which somewhat justifies the "trickle down theory," Ronald Reagan so frequently preached. Give the people of wealth and means more and the people without will also benefit---something which didn't necessarily pan out, according to Census data simply because the more you get, the more you want and the less you tend to give. In fact, the poverty rate is now the lowest since 1993, all while the talk at the top adamantly believes that the bottom is being given too much as it is and should get even less...NO INCREASE ON MINIMUM WAGES!
Still, we all want more, especially those who work hard each and everyday, in positions that do not pay anywhere close to what the chiefs are receiving. That's really the point of my rant. And companies like Honda are wise to hone-in on the wants of the masses with new cars that bare the look and feel of more, for the price of less.
Take for example the ninth generation Civic EX-L Sedan for 2013. At the base price of $23,765, it's been refreshed since last year's introduction to become more sporty, somewhat sophisticated, with an edge that I'm absolutely digin'!
The rear fascia seems to have taken some definite cues from the success of the previous generation Accord, combining a much more bodacious presence to include a larger set of tail lamps accented by a chrome bar running from one side to the other. The a face lift on the front includes a sassy new honeycomb grill outlined by a dazzling strip of chrome---once again, reminiscent of the former Accord. The 16-inch alloy rims are perfectly scaled and suited for the upgraded EX trim level, versus the 15-inch rims on the $18K base model. So if you're rolling with champagne taste and beer money, the Civic EX-L is well suited for the consumer who prefers to drink a more premium, or craft beer.
Changes to the interior cabin have been made as well. Overall, it feels like a much nicer Civic than last year's model. Particularly, I'm loving the look and feel of the dashboard and console set up. Three screens provide all the information necessary for safety and convenience. An elongated screen is positioned high up and straight ahead for driver convenience including the speedometer, gas meter and Eco Assist display. Through Intelligent Multi-information Display (i-MID) incoming text messages for you to read when not driving or have read aloud while driving. When your phone is connected via Bluetooth, i-MID reveals what's happening with the call while offering a few onscreen options that like the radio, can also be controlled from the steering wheel. Between driver and passenger is the navigation screen, including a standard rear camera on all Civics, with added guidelines and multiple angles at the EX and EX-L trim levels. But for some reason, I had a challenge with the daytime glare appearing on the navigation screen, which is where the rear camera also displays.
Under the hood, the "baby Accord's" four cylinders are powered by 140 horses, delivering 128 lb-ft of torque from its 1.8 liter engine. No, you're not going to win any races, nor are you trying to in a Civic. Now the Accord Coupe is another story! But the Civic buyer is in search of fuel efficiency and a sense of style, both of which the 2013 Civic delivers. With or without the "Eco" button activated, you can expect an average of 32 miles per gallon (28 city/39 highway). It's a perfect drive for the more settled, happy go lucky individual who is not yet sure of a hybrid.
For an itemized list of Civic's features, advantages and benefits, click here.
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